Harbin Snowboarding Tips

Gear

Before you venture out to the slopes of the ski resorts in Harbin, it's very important to have the right gear and know how to use it. In addition to a snowboard and boots, you will also need warm clothing, protective eyewear, and a helmet intended specifically for snowboarding or skiing. Here's a list of what you should bring each time you head up the mountain:

Snowboard — In general, an all-mountain snowboard is the best bet for beginners, rather than a specialty board, which is harder to turn and balance on. Also, the longer a board is, the more difficult it will be to control. Choose a board that is the right length for your size and snowboarding ability.

Boots — As the connecting point to your snowboard, boots are a vital piece of equipment. Make sure to get real snowboard boots (not moonboots or hiking boots) that fit correctly to keep your feet comfortable and warm. For most beginner snowboarders, soft snowboard boots are easier to control than hard boots. Always keep your boots laced up tight to give your feet and ankles the support they need.

Bindings — Most snowboard bindings are of the strap-on variety, which are compatible with the greatest number of boots. Be sure to keep your straps securely fastened to give you the most control over your snowboard. Some bindings, though, are step-in types. Make sure you get the right bindings for your boots, and have a trained professional at a snowboard shop adjust the angle of your bindings to put your feet in the right positions.

Helmet — As is the case with many sports, a helmet is the most important piece of equipment when it comes to preventing life-threatening injuries. You should wear one any time you go boarding. Get a helmet that fits properly and keep the chin strap fastened to keep it securely in place. Also, make sure to get a real snowboard helmet (not a football or bike helmet) that allows space for your goggles and ventilation on warm days.

Goggles and sunglasses — The sun's rays are considerably stronger at high altitudes than they are at sea level, and when they bounce off the gleaming white snow, they can be a serious threat to your eyes. Sunglasses are the best way to protect your eyes from the sun's rays, but you should also always bring a pair of goggles that are the right size in case it gets cold or begins to snow. Goggles are also better at protecting your eyes from tree branches and other hazards.

Gloves or mittens — Many snowboard gloves include pockets for hand warmers to keep your fingers nice and toasty. If you're still worried about your hands getting cold, however, it's a good idea to wear mittens, which are generally warmer than gloves.

Wrist guards — When you first learn how to snowboard, you will spend a lot of time falling forward and breaking your fall with your hands. This can lead to broken wrists and forearms, which are very common snowboarding injuries. Be sure to wear rigid wrist guards designed for snowboarding or in-line skating to protect yourself when you fall.

Dress for Excess During your Snowboarding Holidays

As anyone who has snowboarded on a cold day in Harbin can tell you, it's no fun if you don't have enough warm clothing. Likewise, on hot days having too many clothes can make you sweat, which will lead to you getting cold when the sun dips behind a cloud or the mountains. The best way to tackle this situation is to dress in layers that you can shed or put on depending on the temperature. Here's a rundown on what sort of clothes you should wear when you snowboard to avoid hypothermia and frostbite:

Thermal underwear — As with all snowboard clothing, long underwear should be made of wool or a synthetic fabric such as polypropylene rather than cotton, which will stay wet and cold if it gets wet. The best long johns will fit snugly against your skin to form a warm base layer that your outer layers can fit over easily.

Thermal socks — Thicker is not necessarily better when it comes to socks. A sock that is too thick will make your boots too tight, which will make your feet uncomfortable and cold. Choose socks that are the right thickness for your boots and reach up your leg to just below your knees.

Intermediate layers — Fleeces made from wool or synthetic fabrics work best. Try to find ones that aren't too bulky to fit under your jacket.

Snowboard pants — These should be the right size while allowing your legs to move freely. It can also be helpful, especially when you're learning to snowboard and falling on your rear end a lot, to get pants with a little extra padding in the seat. Be sure to get a pair of pants that are waterproof or water-resistant.

Jacket — The best jackets will have plenty of pockets to store your gear. Many people like to use down jackets, which tend to be the warmest kind, but thin shells with extra intermediate layers can work just as well. As with snowboard pants, all snowboard jackets should be waterproof or water-resistant.

Neck gaiter — On really cold days, you'll want to have a gaiter that covers your neck and can be pulled up to cover your face. The best ones will also have a hood to go under your helmet. Remember, you lose a lot of heat through the top of your head, so keeping your head warm is the first step to keeping the rest of your body warm.

Additional Items

In addition to the gear and clothing previously mentioned, other items you might want to bring with you when you snowboard in the Harbin ski resorts include:

Watch out for other people or objects — When you are walking on the slope, watch out for other people or objects that you might hit with your Snowboard.

Hand warmers — These inexpensive packets are available at almost every ski or snowboard shop and will help keep your fingers warm for hours.

Boot warmers — Battery-operated and great for keeping your toes warm, boot warmers can be installed quickly at most ski or snowboard shops.

Walkie-talkies — These are great for keeping in touch with your family and friends if you head off to board on different trails, and if you get lost, a walkie-talkie will make it much easier for people to locate you.

Sunscreen — Even on cloudy days it's possible to get a bad sunburn while snowboarding. Always rub sunscreen on exposed skin if you plan to be outside for any length of time.

Lip balm — While this may not be necessary at Eastern ski areas, the climate in the West is very dry, and your lips will get chapped without protection.

Water and food — While it may look like gravity is doing all the work, snowboarding is actually a very strenuous activity. You can get fatigued and dehydrated easily, particularly at higher altitudes, so it's always a good idea to bring water with you, and a quick snack will help you get some energy back if you find your muscles getting tired.

Always board with a friend — No matter how good a snowboarder you are, it's possible to have a bad fall and be unable to continue boarding. Having a friend to look out for you and, if necessary, summon the ski patrol is much safer than boarding alone.

Know your limits — Be honest with yourself when it comes to your snowboarding ability. If you're a beginner, stick to the beginner slopes until you feel comfortable enough to move up to something steeper. Most ski trails are clearly marked as green circles (beginner terrain), blue squares (intermediate terrain), or black diamonds (advanced terrain). If a trail says it's for experts only, it means just that. Boarding terrain that is beyond your ability is not only no fun, it's also a good way to hurt yourself.

Follow the rules — Never venture past the ski area boundary or board into a closed area. These areas are off-limits for a reason. They're not patrolled by the ski patrol, and they usually contain hazards that you don't want to deal with. Also, pay attention to any warning signs you might see. If a sign says, "Slow skiing area," you'll want to go slow to avoid other skiers and boarders. If a sign says, "Cliff," you'll want to go another way or stop before you go over the edge.

Practice snowboarder etiquette — Remember that skiers and boarders in front of you or below you on the trail have the right of way. You can see them, but they probably can't see you, so it's up to you to avoid them. Never stop in the middle of a trail or anywhere where you can't be seen from above, such as below a dropoff. Look uphill to make sure no one is coming toward you before you start down a trail or merge onto a new trail. If you're passing another skier or boarder on a catwalk or narrow trail, call out "On your right" or "On your left" to let them know you're coming up behind them.

Have a great time during your snowboarding holidays — Snowboarding is fun. Lots of fun. And while there are risks involved, this shouldn't keep you from having a blast on the slopes. So grab a friend and get out there!